Who is the head coach for the MLS All-Stars 2023 Team? Wayne Rooney named as manager

Perhaps the fact that Rooney scored 15 goals against Arsenal - more than any other team in his career - made the decision a bit easier. The ex-Manchester United striker is set to take charge of the MLS All-Stars against Arsenal in Washington DC on July 19.

DC United have won the MLS Cup 4 times and even won the 1998 CONCACAF Champions’ Cup, but in recent seasons their success has dwindled, and in 2022 they finished 14th in the Eastern Conference. Rooney’s task of taking them back to their former glories has been aided by arrivals from the Premier League, including that of Mateusz Klich and Lewis O’Brien.

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Rooney’s record as a coach

As far as football management goes, Wayne Rooney has had a curious career. In 2020 he was named player-manager of Derby County as well as club captain, where he scored six goals in twenty four appearances as the side finished mid-table. However, the following season, Rooney took over as full-time boss and the club were relegated amidst financial turmoil and points deductions; he resigned as manager in June 2022.

Management struggles serve as lessons

Despite the struggles to make a mark as a manager in England, the former striker managed to convince those across the pond and bag himself a role as DC United’s head coach after having played for them before his move to Derby. The 2018 DC United MVP and Golden Boot winner has been manager of the side since July 2022, replacing Hernán Losada. Rooney has played a pressing style with a high line and as such, he is seen as the ideal candidate to take on the role when the MLS All-Stars take on Arsenal in the summer.